Local author Budd Harbis is actually Crossville’s John White, Playhouse fundraiser & wooden nickel salesman
by Don Napier
Budd with his favorite huntin’ dog
In my job, I meet new people pretty regularly, at least on a weekly basis. I love meeting and making friends. I make friends easily and am a pretty good judge of people. I like to categorize new people as outgoing, big talkers, really smart, a “real” character, etc.
One of my new friends is in a category all his own. I once described him as a combination of Lewis Grizzard, Jerry Clower and Grandpa Jones. Its as if he walked out of a cartoon strip. He is quickly becoming known as one of Crossville’s biggest “characters.”
He came here about a year ago as the new Development Director at the Cumberland County Playhouse. His official title is “Dr.” John White but he doesn’t need another title.
He has raised millions for universities, is an avid outdoorsman and author. He is a filmmaker, documentary writer, sports writer, and has served as a university VP. Oh, by the way, he also has three hunting dogs in his back yard.
He developed a TV show called, “The Pointing Dog Social Club” for Georgia PBS which is still running in some markets. I see him everywhere I go. He is involved in fundraising efforts for the Playhouse and is involved in planning the theater’s upcoming anniversary events.
This column is reserved for people who have “lived a wonderful life.” John is still living his. So I am going to tell you about his book, “No Kin To Elvis.” He had a book signing at the Art Circle Library and I was a little surprised that about 40 people showed up for it. Course, there was a free lunch and entertainment! Only kidding, it was a big success.
John talked about the characters in the book and played his harmonica. Oh, did I mention, that John writes under the pen name of Budd Harbis, names he borrowed from an uncle and the town drunk in his hometown.
I think you are starting to see the John White I know.
The story is about Emmer Prestley Broadleaf, whose husband Elzo goes missing in a boating accident at Chickamauga Dam, after losing a $1,000 bet on the 1956 World Series. The local redneck mafia — with whom Elzo placed the bet, comes after Emmer to collect. To keep a room over her head, she has to team up with her estranged daddy Bus, to do a moonshine run. This puts her sideways of the mafia, not to mention the law.
It’s an interesting story, set in north Georgia, peopled with all sorts of characters such as Elzo’s hairless Chihuahua, Waneeta; Elzo’s mother Zula; local bookie and potential Georgia Senator, Holcombe Harpwhing; Holcombe’s step-grandmother and madam to the local elite, Dixie Queen Spencer; and members of the local Ku Klux Klan.
When I read that Budd Harbis was scheduled to appear at the Library, I had to go and check him out. He was not alone. He brought gifted Playhouse singer/songwriter/actor Bobby Taylor with him. Budd and Bobby really put on a show. This was not your garden variety book reading. Budd read, then Bobby and he sang three songs mentioned in the book. Music was Emmer’s “panacea for life’s troubles.” Bobby is obviously a real talent and Budd plays a pretty mean blues harp.
The people sitting in the audience seemed to really enjoy the entertainment, and several stayed after it was over for the actual “book signing.” Budd (John) signed several books for people who stood in line to get a book.
You can get your copy online or in person at Mitchell’s Drug Store in beautiful downtown Crossville.
